NORTH Somerset Council said it offers face to face help as well as access to telephones in its libraries for people to contact the council over their concerns.

The council's comments come after a resident who complained about the lack of access points which enable people to speak in person to a member of staff.

David Agassiz said “there is no way that a member of the public can speak to a representative of NSC," adding “the removal of the access point from the library is a real loss."

Mr Agassiz said North Somerset Council should provide an “open accessible service” like the one at Weston Town Council office.

The council said they can provide face-to-face appointments for complex enquiries.

A spokesperson also added North Somerset Council enquiry desk was closed “years ago” after a trial identified low demand.

Mr Agassiz said: “Huge congratulations to Weston Town Council for the excellent building renovations to the former Mercury offices.

“Not only has it saved a beautiful building, but it is also offering an open accessible service.

“Residents can enter the building and speak to a person immediately to discuss issues concerning Weston town services.

“Contrast this with North Somerset Council where there is no way that a member of the public can speak to a representative of NSC.

“The removal of the access point from the library is a real loss.

“Although NSC have introduced a new single point of contact for customer service teams it appears only to be available through a website.

“Many residents, who are struggling with complex life changing issues, may not have the appropriate equipment.

“They are at a huge disadvantage. Speaking to a person when stressed feels very important.

“Please can NSC reintroduce the access advice point in the library and learn from Weston Town Council.”

The North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “Anyone can walk into a North Somerset Library and get support with their enquiry, meaning the ‘enquiry desk’ is now available across the area rather than just in Weston-super-Mare as before.

“If anyone has a complex enquiry, for example blue badge applications, we can make a face-to-face appointment.

“We also have phones in every library with the most popular services listed, so that customers can call and speak to someone at no cost.

“The North Somerset Council enquiry desk in Weston-super-Mare was closed several years ago.

“Before its closure, a trial was carried out to identify enquiry demand and what residents wanted to know.

“The trial identified demand was low and its closure meant a saving to the taxpayer of approximately £100K per year.

“For more information, please visit https://n-somerset.gov.uk/council-democracy/get-involved/council-offices-venues/face-face-service”